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Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Facing criminal charges in New Kent County? A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County, including 3 dismissals. Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in New Kent County
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Under Va. Code Title 18.2, a Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Common charges in New Kent County include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Felonies are classified by severity, with Class 5 felonies (1-10 years) and Class 6 felonies (1-5 years) being the most common for non-violent offenses. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes all cases at the New Kent County General District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
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Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know About New Kent County Courts
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases, and first offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion of a first offender program results in dismissal of the charge. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Step 1: Arrest and Initial Appearance. After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Step 2: Arraignment. You appear in New Kent County General District Court to enter a plea. A not guilty plea sets the case for trial.
- Step 3: Discovery and Motions. Your attorney reviews the evidence and files any pre-trial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence.
- Step 4: Trial. Misdemeanor trials are heard by a judge in General District Court. Felony cases proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Step 5: Sentencing. If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence within the statutory range. First-offender programs may be available.
- Step 6: Appeal. You have the right to appeal a General District Court conviction to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in New Kent County
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration. The table below outlines the potential consequences for common charges.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block: Serving New Kent County
Our Richmond location is approximately 30 minutes from New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We serve clients throughout New Kent County, including New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We are a Mail Fraud lawyer New Kent County and a federal mail fraud defense lawyer New Kent County for federal cases. If you are facing a postal fraud charge lawyer New Kent County, we can help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in New Kent County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at New Kent County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in New Kent County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in New Kent County, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to New Kent County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in New Kent County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at New Kent County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in New Kent County?
Yes. New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.